Makheni J
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Georgetown University
Expertise
Introductory Animal Biology: Animal body systems and primary defense mechanisms.Basic Microbiology: Foundational concepts of bacteria, viruses, and germs.Immune System Fundamentals: Surface-level introduction to how bodies fight off illness.Infection and Inflammation: Simplified overview of how the body reacts to disease.
Bio
I am deeply passionate about the biological sciences, focusing my academic interests on animal biology, microbiology, and immunology. Through my experience as a mentor and tutor at IMSD-MERGE and Queensborough Community College, I have developed a strong foundation in formulating research-driven hypotheses, evaluating scientific literature, and designing experiments. I find great fulfillment in breaking down complex concepts like the immune system, infection, and inflammation into accessible, surface-level information for high school students. My ultimate academic goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists by fostering curiosity and building their confidence in STEM. Outside of my academic pursuits, I have a deep love for traveling and discovering new cultures, which broadens my perspective on the world. Exploring different global environments and traditions fuels my curiosity and gives me a greater appreciation for the diverse ways people live and connect. In my free time, I also enjoy trying regional cuisines from my travels and capturing my journeys through photography. Immersing myself in these new experiences keeps me creative, open-minded, and energized to share an enthusiastic, global viewpoint with my students.Project ideas
Understanding how our immune system protects us against pathogens
This project introduces high school students to fundamental immunology and the body's natural defense mechanisms against illness. Participants will learn how the immune system prevents and fights infection, as well as the biological consequences when these defense responses become dysregulated. Beyond core science concepts, students will develop essential research skills by evaluating scientific literature, analyzing data, and translating technical biology into simple communication.
The Paradox of Progress: How Medical Advances Fuel Opportunistic Infections
This project introduces high school students to the balance between modern medical treatments and the rise of opportunistic pathogens. Students will examine how life-saving innovations—like broad-spectrum antibiotics, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive therapies—inadvertently weaken host immune defenses and clear out healthy microbes, creating perfect windows for opportunistic infections to take root. By analyzing patient case studies and data trends, students will evaluate scientific literature and learn to translate complex clinical phenomena into clear, accessible language. Ultimately, the project will challenge students to think critically about how medicine constantly evolves to fight back against these adaptive micro-adversaries. Lastly, students will master the core of the scientific method by learning how to formulate testable, research-driven hypotheses. They will build the critical thinking skills needed to design thorough, controlled experiments that effectively test and support their ideas. By analyzing variables and potential outcomes, students will transition from passive learners into active scientific investigators.